THOMAS MUELLER

It is with heavy and broken hearts that we share the news of Thomas Mueller's passing, on August 10, 2022. He was admitted to the hospital with COVID and a weakened immune system in July, then passed a few weeks later. Tom was a beloved musician with an infectious sense of humour, a generous spirit and kind heart who loved nothing more than to be in an orchestra, playing a show and, admittedly, having perhaps too much fun with his longtime friends in the pit. He was a proud member of Ensemble Vivant, and principal cello/section leader in Orchestra Toronto and Burlington Symphony. He was truly in his element playing in orchestras, chamber music, mega musicals, as a soloist as well as teaching. Tom's cello playing possessed the gift of rare musical expression and beauty of tone that garnered him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and audiences far and wide. Many may not know he launched a beautiful side project, "Bach to the Guild," where he played cello in Guildwood, along the Scarborough Bluffs, where he grew up and had so many treasured memories, so passersby could enjoy a plein air concert. Tom was also a talented and dexterous painter, depicting scenes from his cherished European travels with Megan (Venice being his all-time favourite) or portraits for friends and associates; undertaking an ambitious painting-a-day project in High Park; and even creating a pet portrait or two. (A lifelong animal lover, he adored his corgi, Chloe, and elderly cat Mimi.) As someone who wore his heart on his sleeve, Tom would, no doubt, be incredibly touched by the outpouring of emotional tributes. There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring. Survived by his mother, Brigitte Mueller; his wife, Megan Mueller; their child, Saskia Mueller and their partner, Zachary Barmania; Tom's brother, Andrew Mueller; sister-in-law, Chris Mueller; and their daughter, Priya Mueller; uncle, Peter Eulenstadt; his father-in-law, Dick Duffin; sister-in-law, Kelly Duffin; and brother-in-law, Dean Walker. Predeceased by his father, Juergen Mueller. Those looking to make a donation in Tom's name, could support Euterpe Corporation, a well-established registered not-for-profit charity that brings live and virtual high-calibre music education performance programs of Classical, Jazz and related diverse musical styles free of charge to those who might not otherwise have access to these life-enhancing opportunities. Children, especially those from underserved communities, and seniors are a principal focus for Euterpe: Music Is The Key, https://musicisthekey.org/.